Assistant Professor in Materials for Thermal Energy Storage

Are you passionate about designing, making and understanding materials that can accelerate the energy transition? Join TU/e’s Department of Applied Physics and Science Education (APSE) as an Assistant Professor in Materials for Thermal Energy Storage. Help us develop innovative solutions for energy storage and contribute to a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and impact-driven academic environment. 

The position

We are looking for a motivated and visionary Assistant Professor to strengthen our research into materials for thermal energy storage. You will join the Transport in Permeable Media (TPM) group, embedded in the Plasma & Flow and Materials domains of APSE, and contribute to the development of advanced materials for energy storage and upgrade. 

You will develop your own research line focused on materials for thermal energy storage and upgrade. This includes designing, making and understanding thermochemical and phase-change materials, such as salt hydrate composites, zeolites and MOFs, with applications in energy storage, direct air capture, water harvesting, and hydrogen storage. We particularly welcome candidates whose expertise bridges molecular-scale understanding and reactor-level implementation, and who are motivated to foster new interdisciplinary collaborations. 

Our group conducts use-inspired fundamental research, translating real-world challenges into physical questions and exploring their solutions through experimental science. TPM has a strong track record in developing and applying advanced characterization tools, including NMR imaging, TGA-DSC, DVS, XRD, and BET, to study transport and adsorption processes in porous and non-transparent media. 

This position is designed to strengthen TU/e’s contribution to the energy transition through materials innovation. You are encouraged to explore links with related expertise across the university, including the Materials Simulation and Modeling (MSM) group, and external partners such as TNO and EIRES. The TPM group has a history of successful collaboration and spin-off creation and maintains an excellent international network in the field of thermal energy storage.

As an Assistant Professor, you will have the opportunity to lead your own research group independently, including securing funding and supervising students at the bachelor, master, and PhD levels. At the same time, you will benefit from the resources and collaborative environment of a larger research unit and an open, collegial department. You will also be expected to participate in and contribute to the development of the Applied Physics bachelor's and master's teaching programs.

The department of Applied Physics and Science Education 

The Department of Applied Physics and Science Education (APSE) at TU/e conducts cutting-edge fundamental and applied research in Optics & Photonics, Plasma & Flow, Materials, and Quantum. We are a collaborative, ambitious, and inclusive community, driving innovation in science and technology to address global challenges. Located in the heart of the Brainport region, APSE is a key academic partner in shaping the future of high-tech industry and education. 

Job Requirements  

• Motivated researcher, with a PhD in physics, physical-chemistry, or a comparable domain. Postdoctoral or industry experience is considered an advantage. 
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs. 
• Motivated to teach, contribute to teaching processes, and to develop excellent teaching skills. 
• Driven to have impact in the field of energy storage. 
• Strong cooperation skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team. 
• Effective communication and leadership skills, including coaching and mentoring of students and staff, leading a project or chairing a group. 
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English.   

Conditions of Employment  

We offer a meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station and city center. In addition, we offer you: 

• A development track with the prospect of becoming Associate Professor. 
• An immediate tenured position for qualified candidates. 
• A tailor-made offer to kickstart your career including the access to cutting-edge research infrastructure.
• A gross monthly salary of min. € 4728,- and max. € 7297,- (scale 11 or and scale 12 based on relevant experience and/or seniority) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. 
• Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8%, plus a year-end allowance of 8,3% of the annual salary. 
• Free access to high-quality training programs for academic leadership, the university teaching qualification program, research and valorization competences, and a dedicated mentoring program to help you get to know the university and the Dutch (research) environment. 
• Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as the partner career support program to support accompanying partners, an international spouse program and sports facilities. 
• The opportunity to focus your career on research, teaching, or impact. You can develop your personal ambitions within the strategic objectives of the university. 
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as is - depending on your personal situation - a tax compensation scheme (the expat scheme). 
• Possibility for part-time employment starting at 0.8 fte. 

Information and application  

About us  

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.    

Curious to hear more about what it is like as a professor at TU/e? Please view the video

Information  

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?  
Please contact the hiring manager prof. Henk Huinink, group chair of the TPM research group, h.p.huinink@tue.nl 

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Thomas Slegers, recruiter, t.slegers@tue.nl / +31614835214. 

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page. 

Application 

We invite you to submit a complete application. The application should include a: 

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position. 
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. 
• Description of your scientific interests and plans (1-2 pages). 
• Statement of your teaching goals and experience (1-2 pages). 

We look forward to your application. The closing date for applications is November 9th, 2025. The timeline for the selection process is as follows: 

November 9: Application deadline. 
November 10-21: Reviewing applications / candidate selection. 
November 21-28: Invitations for the online interviews. 
December 1-12: Online interviews with the selection committee. 
December 15-23: Invitations for the Candidates’ Days on campus.  
February 2026: Candidates’ Day on campus incl. final presentation.